2020/03/02
2nd March 2020
12515 Unconfirmed Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held in the Silverdale Institute on Monday 2nd March 2020.
12516 Present: Councillors: Chairman – M.J. (Mike) Fletcher, Vice Chairman – J. (John) Bennett, N. (Nigel) Ribbons, T.G. (Terry) Bond, A.J. (Tony) Houghton, S. (Stephen) Wales, P. (Phil) Bickerstaff, the Clerk – L.D. (Denise) Challenor, the Deputy Clerk – G.R. (Gill) Ribbons, Visitors – Stefanie Gray (Development officer, Lancaster City Council) and David Redmore (both Tree planting) and 5 members of the public.
12517 Apologies for Absence: City and Parish Councillor J. (June) Greenwell, County Councillor P. (Phillippa) Williamson, Sgt Lindsay Brown.
12518 Declarations of Members’ Interests Relating to any Items Appearing on the Agenda: Cllr Houghton regarding agenda item 11q.
12519 Minutes of the Previous Meeting The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 3rd February 2020 were APPROVED.
12520 Receipt of Information about Matters Arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda
12504 Cllr Wales reported that he had been in contact with the Gaskell Hall Committee regarding items which were raised at the last Emergency plan run through – the committee would like 1 or 2 of their members to attend the next run through as these issues can be better discussed then.
12493 Cllr Bennett reported that he had been approached by concerned residents about the safety of the Silverdale hoard in the library and also the cost of bringing it to that venue.
12521 Police Report – Sergeant Brown was unable to attend the meeting but sent a report. He reported that: A gang of thieves which caused misery across our rural communities has been jailed for a total of 29 years – Six members of an organised crime group, which operated mainly in north Lancashire and south Cumbria, appeared at Preston Crown Court this week (February 20th and 21st) to be sentenced for the parts they each played in a series of thefts carried out between April and September 2018. During the crime spree members of the gang broke into domestic properties and businesses, stealing thousands of pounds worth of property. They also stole vehicles and targeted four ATM machines. The gang also caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to property. In total the value of property stolen and the amount of damage caused totalled hundreds of thousands of pounds. All six men initially denied their involvement, but eventually pleaded guilty at court and have been sentenced. The group targeted rural businesses and properties, stealing cars, tools, a caravan, jewellery and money, among other things. They also made off with £115,490 after stealing an ATM machine from a supermarket in Durham and broke just under £6,000 out of a cash machine in Carnforth, though were interrupted by police and ended up fleeing the scene, leaving the cash in a pile of rubble in the road. The ATM attack in Carnforth caused around £170,000 worth of damage.
Chief Inspector Rebecca Smith, from Lancashire Police, said: “This was a challenging enquiry into an organised crime group who were responsible for a high number of ATM attacks and commercial and residential burglaries which took place in three counties across the north of England. The victims of these thefts ranged from large national companies to individual people who were targeted at home. The gang predominantly struck in isolated areas, stealing high-value items, many of which their victims depended on for their livelihoods. I hope these sentences send a message that at Lancashire Police we place huge importance on tackling serious organised crime. We will leave no stone unturned in tracking down those responsible and bringing them to justice. Those who think they can come to Lancashire and commit crimes such as these will not be made welcome.”
Some of the items stolen by the gang have been recovered. We will now look at pursuing the gang under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Further local crime information can be found on the www.police.uk website by following the links.
12522 Matters Raised by Members of the Public for Future Consideration – a representative for Gibraltar Farm spoke about the negative impact that the proposed Coastal path would have on their land and on their businesses/livelihood. They informed the Council that they had lodged an objection with Natural England.
A resident informed the Council of the ongoing discussions with Natural England regarding Gait barrows and the Exmoor ponies. Another resident informed the Council that the ponies’ now having to be confined is stressing them considerably. Another resident pointed out that Silverdale is not the only area where Natural England is objecting to ponies grazing. They also informed the Council that the flooding of farmland near the level crossing is worsening and could also become more hazardous to traffic.
12523 Tree planting – Ms. Gray spoke about the City Council’s plans to develop open spaces including planting a million trees in the area. They are working with The Forestry commission and Defra for advice and funding. Mr Redmore then spoke about his relevant experience and his familiarity with the area and his wish to plant native species in areas where possible. It was AGREED for Cllr Bond to work with them in his role as part of the Woodland management team, regarding the plan for Silverdale, along with Mr Cartwright, a representative of the Woodland Trust to advise them where it would be possible to plant some trees. Cllrs agreed that a major problem will be protecting the young trees from deer, rabbits and sheep as has been proven historically.
12524 Report from City Councillor June Greenwell – Cllr Greenwell was unable to attend the meeting due to other commitments but sent a report which was read by the Vice Chairman. The report included the statements that at a recent meeting of Lancaster District Council, the Council has now approved the 2020 -2021 budget with an increase of £5 annually for a Band D property, with pro-rata adjustments for other property bands and discussions continue on a possible Morecambe Bay Unitary Authority.
12525 Report from County Councillor Phillippa Williamson – Cllr Williamson was unable to attend the meeting or send a report.
12526 Reports on any Meetings Attended by Members or the Clerk – Cllr Bennett reported on a recent meeting with the City and County Council’s verge maintenance operatives. The storms have disrupted their schedule and they now hope to cut the emergency swathes agreed for Silverdale before the end of March. The Chairman informed Cllrs that he will report on a meeting with Natural England regarding the Coastal Footpath in the next agenda item.
12527 Correspondence
Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted and circulated:
a) Details of the Best Kept Village competition.
b) The Rural Bulletin
c) SLDC weekly planning update.
d) Lancashire County Council Budget consultation – deadline for comments was 12/2/20
e) Natural England’s ‘Summary Guide to the Management of Gait Barrows NNR’ and the ‘Grazed Habitats Management Plan’ are now available. Notice of an information day on 1/2/20, an informative walk on 2/1/20 and on 6/2/20. (Emailed 31/1/20)
f) LALC supply their amended constitution.
g) Broxap brochure of litter and recycling bins.
h) County Cllr. Williamson supplies information about upcoming required changes to Freeview TV services in the North West of England, which may affect some Silverdale residents.
i) Came & Company Newsletter.
j) The Government is currently consulting on the Draft North West Inshore and Offshore Marine Plans and would value your views. The consultation runs until 6th April 2020. For more information see www.gov.uk/government/news/have-your-say
k) Spadeadam write about celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
l) LALC invites Cllrs to their all day Spring Conference at Leyland on April 25th. £35.
m) Notice of an event regarding road safety aimed at over 60’s. 26/3/20.
n) Notice of SELRAP – AGM 9/3/20 at 7pm, Municipal Hall, Albert Rd Colne.
o) SLDC informs of their formation of the Local Plan up to 2040 and their ways of consulting the public during various drop – in sessions.
p) Final draft comments on the management of Gait Barrows.
q) North West Coastal Access update from Natural England – in response to this and the meeting with Natural England a document of comments and amendments had been drafted by the Chairman and Vice chairman. This response indicates that the Parish Council approve of the England Coast Path in principal but Cllrs felt that there was insufficient involvement of the local community in the creation of the route. The Council has serious concerns that in some sections the proposed route can be hazardous, in some circumstances dangerous and account must be taken regarding the well-known natural periodic accretion and erosion of the sands which cause the foreshore to be un-walkable. After some amendments to the document had been AGREED by all but one of the Councillors, the document was APPROVED for sending to Natural England. Following the vote the Chairman informed Cllrs that he would make the agreed changes and hand deliver the document to Natural England in order to ensure receipt by the deadline.
r) A resident writes to give his comments on the route of the Coastal Path.
s) Notice that the Summary Guide to the Management of Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve 2020-2025 is now available; comments and appendix.
t) Our Lancs. Community Officer offers free “Road Closure” training at Preston, 23/3/20 from 9.00 to 16.00 hours.
12528 Planning Matters
(a) It was noted that the following Planning Applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
• 20/0018/TPO 54 Emesgate Lane. Ash x 5 – Fell, Lime x 1 – Fell. – No comments
• 20/00131/CU Waterslack Farm, Waterslack Road. Retrospective application for the change of use of farm shop (A1) to part of dwelling house (C3). No comments
(b) The following Planning Applications were considered:- None
12529 Clerk’s report of any action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) taken under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
25(a) Parish Council Property and Functions – none.
25(b) Non-Parish Council Property – none
12530 Tenders – a) Parish contractor, this was approved with the following amendments: 1. change hours to ‘up to an average of 180 hours per year’ 2. ‘future duties may include siting and maintenance of SpIDs’ 3. ‘additional work as agreed with the Clerk’
b) Website consultant – AGREED all Cllrs happy to continue with the current consultant, Steve Lamb.
c) Public Toilets and Dog poop bag dispenser refilling – only received 1 tender, from P. Williams, slight increase of £10 per month. Cllrs APPROVED the acceptance of the tender. The standing order for the bank was duly signed.
12531 Finance
a) No income to record.
b) The following payments were authorised cheques signed for the following accounts:
• Paul Williams, SO £234.17
• T Lambert, contractor, £300 cheque 22119
• Compost Bag Company Ltd., dog bags, £290.52, cheque 22120 amended amount noted.
• A Walker, EP fuel exchange and engine service, £260.92 cheque 22121 Cllrs AGREED this cost needs to be budgeted
• British Gas, clock, £23.38, Bacs
• British Gas, toilet block, £36.65,Bacs
• Gaskell Memorial Hall, Green room, January, £22.50, cheque 22123
• Thomas Graham, toilet supplies, £112.48, cheque22124
• Kedel Ltd, extra plastic wood, £46.78, cheque 22125
• Westfield Fasteners Ltd., playground parts, £19.67 cheque 22126
• Envirocare, contractor, £312 cheque 22027
• North West Air Ambulance, S137 donation, £300, as previously budgeted for, cheque 22128 approved for sending at the meeting.
c) Asset Register – The Clerk informed Cllrs that values of items on the Asset Register reflect the original cost as this meets requirements. Asset Register was APPROVED
d) Risk Assessment – this was APPROVED.
12532 Streetscape
a) SpIDs – the Clerk reported that Alan Cox had been in touch recently to explain that he has been absent from work for some time but has now submitted a request for the SpID sign mounting plates to be installed in Silverdale.
b) Parking – it was AGREED for the Clerk to contact the National trust on behalf of the Council to request release of some land for parking and improved access to ‘the lots’ for mobility impaired walkers.
12533 Playground matters –
a) Urgent actions – Repairs have been carried out to make safe the picnic bench unit where vandalism had caused one of the four seats to be broken away/stolen. Details of the missing seat section are being obtained to allow a new one to be ordered.
b) Repair of boundary wall – The ownership of the section of boundary wall is still uncertain; however the owners of the property have agreed to pay half of the estimate received from Mr. Walsh. It was AGREED to engage Mr Walsh to commence works as soon as possible. Endeavours would be made on both sides of the wall to remove as much of the ivy as possible. The Clerk to contact Mr. Walsh and the owners to this effect.
c) All replacement panels on the multi-unit have now been fitted.
d) Repair/replacement of wet pour areas – nothing new to report.
12534 External works chart – as reported earlier in item 12526 , verges should hopefully be cut soon.
12535 Items for information (no decisions or actions permitted) –
Eden project north have cancelled speaking at this year’s Annual Assembly, the Chairman has been able to organise a presentation from Dr Alison Stowell of Lancashire University, entitled “What can we do about our Waste?”
The Clerk had received a query regarding the cutting of the Cemetery grass.
Cllr Houghton reported that the recent rains have cleaned the sewage from the Shore, for now.
It was noted that the Annual Assembly will be held in the Main Room of the Gaskell Hall, Silverdale on Thursday 19th March 2020 at 7.30pm
12536 Suggestions for Future Agenda Items –
1. Emergency plan update
2. Tree planting update
3. Coastal path update
12537 Date of Next Meeting
It was noted that the date of the next meeting is Thursday 6th April 2020. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before 30th March 2020.
Gill Ribbons, Deputy Clerk to the Council
AGENDA – SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Councillors are hereby summoned, and members of the public are invited, to attend a Parish Council Meeting on Monday 2nd March 2020 at 7.30pm, in the Silverdale Institute, Spring Bank, Silverdale, for the purposes detailed in the following Agenda:
1 To receive apologies for absence.
2 To receive declarations of Members’ interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.
3 To approve the Minutes of an Ordinary Council Meeting held on 3rd February 2020.
4 To receive information about matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings, not covered by the Agenda.
5 To receive a report from the Police if available.
6 To hear matters raised by Members of the Public for future consideration. Note: Members of the Council are not permitted to respond, except to ask questions for the purposes of clarification only.
7 To welcome Stefanie Gray, Development Officer, from Lancaster City Council to hear of the plans to improve the environment by planting trees and collecting litter in 2020.
8 To receive a report of any relevant matters by City Councillor June Greenwell.
9 To receive a report of any relevant matters by County Councillor Phillippa Williamson.
10 To receive verbal reports from any meetings attended by Members, or the Clerk (verbal reports are only acceptable where no decision, or action, is required).
· Please see Cllr. Fletcher’s report on the Coastal Path.
11 To consider the following items of correspondence received since the last meeting and to determine what, if any, action should be taken:
a) Details of the Best Kept Village competition. (Emailed to Cllrs. 29/1/20 & 17/2/20)
b) The Rural Bulletin (Emailed 29/1/20)
c) SLDC weekly planning update. (Emailed 29/1, 5/2, 12/1, 20/2,)
d) Lancashire County Council Budget consultation – deadline for comments was 12/2/20! (Emailed 29/1/20)
e) Natural England’s‘Summary Guide to the Management of Gait Barrows NNR’ and the ‘Grazed Habitats Management Plan’ are now available. Notice of an information day on 1/2/20, an informative walk on 2/1/20 and on 6/2/20. (Emailed 31/1/20)
f) LALC supply their amended constitution. (Emailed 31/1/20)
g) Broxap brochure of litter and recycling bins.
h) County Cllr. Williamson supplies information about upcoming required changes to Freeview TV services in the North West of England, which may affect some Silverdale residents. (Emailed 6/2/20)
i) Came & Company Newsletter. (Emailed 11/2/20)
j) The Government is currently consulting on the Draft North West Inshore and Offshore Marine Plans and would value your views. The consultation runs until 6th April 2020. For more information see www.gov.uk/government/news/have-your-say (12/2/20)
k) Spadeadam write about celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. (Emailed 12/2/20)
l) LALC invites Cllrs to their all day Spring Conference at Leyland on April 25th. £35. (Emailed 12/2/20)
m) Notice of an event regarding road safety aimed at over 60’s. 26/3/20. (Emailed 13/2/20)
n) Notice of SELRAP – AGM 9/3/20 at 7pm, Municipal Hall, Albert Rd Colne. (17/3/20)
o) SLDC informs of their formation of the Local Plan up to 2040 and their ways of consulting the public during various drop – in sessions. (Emailed 18/2/20)
p) Final draft comments on the management of Gait Barrows. (Emailed 18/2/20)
q) North West Coastal Access update from Natural England. (Emailed 18/2/20)
r) A resident writes to give his comments on the route of the Coastal Path. ( 20/2/20)
s) Notice that the Summary Guide to the Management of Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve 2020-2025 is now available; comments and appendix. (Emailed to Cllrs. 24/2/20)
t) Our Lancs. Community Officer offers free “Road Closure” training at Preston, 23/3/20 from 9.00 to 16.00 hours. (See mail of 21/2/20)
12 (a) To note that the following Planning Applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
· 20/0018/TPO 54 Emesgate Lane. Ash x 5 – Fell, Lime x 1 – Fell. – No comments
· 20/00131/CU Waterslack Farm, Waterslack Road. Retrospective application for the change of use of farm shop (A1) to part of dwelling house (C3).
b) To consider the following Planning Applications: None.
13 To receive the Clerk’s report of any action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) taken under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
a) Parish Council Property and Functions
b) Non-Parish Council Property and Functions
14 Tenders
a) Parish Contractor – To review the contractors tenders which end 18th May 2020.
b) To consider offering to continue the tender for the Website with our present consultant for a further year; starting June 2020.
c) To consider the Tender’s submitted for cleaning of the Public Toilets and refilling the dog-poop bag dispensers.
15 Finance
a) To conduct the monthly check of all money received by the Council (bank statements to be inspected by a Member who is not a Bank Signatory)
b) To authorise payment and sign cheques for the following accounts:
· Paul Williams, SO £234.17
· Compost Bag Company Ltd., dog bags, £242.10, cheque
· T Lambert, contractor, £300 cheque
· A Walker, EP fuel exchange, £260.92 cheque
· British Gas, clock, £23.38, Bacs
· British Gas, toilet block, £36.65,Bacs
· Gaskell Memorial Hall, Green room, January, £22.50, cheque
· Thomas Graham, toilet supplies, £112.48, cheque
· Kedel Ltd, extra plastic wood, £46.78, cheque
· Westfield Fasteners Ltd., playground parts, £19.67 cheque
· Envirocare, contractor, £312 cheque
c) To review the Asset register
d) To review the Risk Assessment.
16 Streetscape
· SpID update.
· Parking -To decide whether to approach the National Trust regarding parking and access. Cllr’s please see Cllr. Fletchers email of 19/2/20 for his suggestions.
17 Playground – To receive a report on any urgent actions that have been taken and to consider any other issues raised in either the Lancaster CC quarterly, or Parish weekly inspections.
· To update on the progress regarding repairs to the wall and decide on action.
18 External works progress Chart – Verges meeting.(See Cllr. Bennett’s email of 12/2/20)
19 To note any “Items for Information” (no decisions or action permitted)
20 To receive items for consideration for a future agenda.
21 To note that the date of the next meeting is Thursday 6th April 2020. Items for the agenda and copies of reports, to reach the Clerk before 30th March.
Signed:
Denise Challenor,
Clerk to the Council, 01524 761824